3 Days in Mykonos, Greece: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary

Planning a trip to Mykonos, Greece? In this travel itinerary, I’ll help you plan the perfect trip for 3 days in Mykonos! Whether you’re planning a weekend trip or just making a stop for 3 days in Mykonos on your Greek Islands vacation, this Mykonos travel guide will tell you everything you need to know about one of Greece’s most popular islands!

On my one-week trip to Greece, I started off with three nights in Santorini, followed by two nights in Mykonos, and one night in Athens before heading to the airport. If you ask around, most will tell you not to spend more than two to three days in Mykonos because the island is pricey and popular for nightlife. Personally, I could have spent more time on the island but three days in Mykonos is definitely enough to hit all the highlights!

Mykonos is popular for 4 main things: nightlife, world-class beaches, high-end shopping, and an incredible food scene. In this itinerary, we’ll make sure you have time for a little bit of each. If you’re planning to spend three days in Mykonos, keep reading for the perfect way to spend 3 days on one of Greece’s most popular islands!

Explore all the best things to do in Mykonos

Mykonos Overview

Before we jump into this 3 day itinerary, let’s review a few things to know before planning your trip to Mykonos. In this overview, I’ll cover where to stay, how to get there, and the best time to visit the island.

Best time to visit Mykonos

Low Season: November through March. During the slow season in Mykonos, most of the island will be closed and ferries between islands will be limited. November through March are also the coldest months in Mykonos and lowest water temperatures.

Shoulder Season: April – May and September – October. I usually prefer to travel in the shoulder season because prices are lower and there are usually much less crowds. Since April is the start of shoulder season in Mykonos, this is when things will start to open back up but some things may still be closed until mid-May. September & October are the best months to travel anywhere in Greece since the summer crowds have cleared out but water temperatures are still warm.

High Season: June – August is the high season in Mykonos (and Greece & Europe in general) and the prices and crowds will be highest during this time. Since Mykonos is already a more expensive island, I recommend avoiding visiting during the high season. Mykonos is also a popular cruise port which can make the island even more crowded during the day when the ships arrive.

Where to stay in Mykonos

Best in Mykonos Town: Rochari Hotel

I personally stayed at Rochari Hotel on my three days in Mykonos and it was a perfect fit for this 72 hour itinerary! If you’re looking to be walking distance to all the shops and restaurants in Mykonos Town, this luxury boutique hotel is the perfect option. The hotel has a restaurant, bar, and a pool bar that overlooks Mykonos Town and the Aegean Sea! This hotel is also fairly affordable for a basic room but they also have larger more luxury style suites available.

Luxury Hotels:

If you want to get the full Mykonos experience, there are many options for a beachfront luxury resort. Mykonos is known for having some of the best beaches in Europe and has some great options for high-end resorts and hotels with beach views and beach clubs.

Best Luxury Hotels in Mykonos: Boheme Hotel, Myconian Kyma, Andronikos, Mr & Mrs White, Myconian Utopia, Santa Marina, Cavo Tagoo, Belvedere

Best for budget: Mykonos is known for being more expensive than the other Greek islands, but it is still possible to travel Mykonos on a budget! MyCocoon Hostel is a popular hostel in Mykonos town and is a great option for anyone looking for a more budget-friendly option on the island.

Renting an apartment on VRBO is another great option when looking for accommodations in Mykonos! They are typically more affordable than a hotel or resort and also great if you are traveling with a group! I always find that renting a VRBO or Airbnb gives a more authentic and local vibe when exploring a destination!

Getting to Mykonos

There are two options when traveling to Mykonos. Either take a flight or a ferry. If you are coming from another island in Greece, you’ll most likely take a ferry because flights are rare and expensive between islands.

Traveling between the Greek islands is very easy thanks to the ferry system! SeaJets is one of the most popular ferry companies in Greece. I used SeaJets on both of my ferry trips from Santorini to Mykonos and Mykonos to Athens, but there are several options when booking ferries to island hop in Greece. CLICK HERE to browse ferry options to Mykonos!

If you’re coming from Athens, taking a flight will be the quicker but more expensive option. Greece has several airline options, with Aegean and SkyExpress having the most availability. The flight from Athens to Mykonos is around 30-45 minutes. The ferry can take anywhere from 3 to 5 hours, depending on if you take the fast or slow ferry. CLICK HERE to view flight options to Mykonos!

Day One: Arrive in Mykonos

On day one, you will arrive in Mykonos and check into your hotel. You will likely arrive mid to late afternoon depending on your form of transportation. One thing about traveling the Greek islands is that the ferries are ALWAYS late. Because of this, its best to not make any plans until later on days that you will be traveling by ferry. Sometimes they are delayed by 30 minutes and other times they can be delayed after. If you are staying at Rochari, they offer free transportation between the ferry port and your hotel.

The good thing about Mykonos is that the island never sleeps. Because Mykonos is known to be a party island, there is something to do at all hours of the day. So even if you arrive late, the day is just getting started.

After checking into your hotel, it’s time to get ready for your first night in Mykonos! One thing about Mykonos is that it’s known for having incredible sunsets. Which is why I recommend taking a sunset cruise your first night to kick off your 3 days in Mykonos!

On this sunset cruise, you will be able to swim and snorkel, visit Super Paradise Beach, and have a light dinner and open bar while watching a famous Greek Islands sunset over the Aegean Sea. Spending as much time on the water as possible is an absolute must when visiting Mykonos! Just be prepared if you are visiting early in the season (April/May) that it might still be a little too cold to swim or snorkel on this sunset cruise!

Day Two: Beaches & Beach Clubs

Day two of your three-day Mykonos itinerary will be all about exploring the incredible beaches of Mykonos. Greece is known for having some of the best beaches in Europe and there’s no shortage of sandy beaches with crystal clear water here in Mykonos.

As someone who frequently visits the Caribbean, I WAS NOT expecting to love the beaches in Mykonos as much as I did! The water in Mykonos is perfectly clear and turns the most stunning shades of blue!

Since Mykonos is known for being and upscale party island, one of the best ways to experience Mykonos beaches is by attending a beach club. While there are many beach clubs around the island, a few of the most popular are Super Paradise Beach and Scorpios.

If beach clubs aren’t your thing and you want to go to a free beach in Mykonos, I highly recommend checking out Paraga Beach (pictured above). Paraga Beach is a public beach in Mykonos where you can rent your own chairs or you can just bring your own towel and find a spot in the sand! I loved relaxing on this beach and watching all the catamarans come in! Paraga Beach is also lined with a few restaurants and a snack stand where you can grab a drink and some delicious Greek cuisine!

Paraga Beach is also close to Paradise Beach. It is within walking distance and you’ll just need to cross over a short hiking trail to reach the beach and beach club. Even if you don’t plan to switch beaches, I highly recommend taking this trail for the incredible views it offers of Paradise Beach and the Aegean Sea!

If you aren’t a beach person but still want to spend some time enjoying the perfect waters of Mykonos, taking a catamaran is another great option for how to spend your first day on the island!

On this private catamaran cruise, you get a full day of sailing, a full lunch, and open bar all while enjoying the water and sightseeing off the coast of Mykonos!

After a long day in the sun, head back to Old Town and stop in Little Venice. Little Venice is an area along the water that’s popular for having amazing sunsets! Every night at sunset, everyone in Mykonos gathers in Little Venice to watch the sunset over the Aegean Sea. You can also see the famous Mykonos Windmills and some of the famous Mykonos churches while in Little Venice.

For dinner on your last night in Mykonos, you’ll want to make sure to make a reservation at Kastro’s. Kastro’s is a popular restaurant in Little Venice and is a must-visit on your trip to Mykonos. Not only does Kastro’s have amazing food, but you dine in the alley near the water (pictured above) or on one of their balconies that overlook Little Venice and the windmills.

Because of Kastro’s popularity, I highly recommend making a reservation in advance. If you want to dine on the balconies or the first table in the alley closest to the water, you’ll need a reservation. These tables also require a minimum spend since they are so popular for having the best view. The minimum spend requires a bottle of wine for the table and an appetizer and entree per person. Bonus points if you make your reservation around sunset!

After dinner, head over to Negrita Bar for a night of music and drinks! Negrita is one of the most popular bars in Mykonos Town because of its patio right on the edge of Little Venice near the water. If you want to book a table here, it will also require a minimum spend.

If you really want to experience nightlife in Mykonos, check out this VIP experience!

Day Three: Mykonos Town and Travel Day

One of my favorite things to do in Mykonos was wandering around the whitewashed cobblestone streets of Mykonos Town. The streets are filled with the cutest buildings, colorful doors, boutique shops, and cafes. You’ll even find some stores for your favorite luxury brands when wandering the streets of Old Town Mykonos.

On your last day in Mykonos head into town to do some shopping before it’s time to catch your flight or ferry. Don’t forget to stop by a cafe for a cappuccino and then have lunch at Jimmy’s for the best gyros in Mykonos!

Mykonos Town is also the most Instagramable location in Mykonos. If you have time on your last day, you might want to book a photoshoot early in the morning before it gets too crowded!

If you really want to get those iconic Mykonos shots, try booking a flying dress photoshoot!

Book your flight/ferry back to Athens or your next Greek island here:

FAQ:

How many days are enough for Mykonos?

Because Mykonos is so pricey and a party island, most travelers spend 2-3 days on the island. 2-3 days in Mykonos should be enough to see the highlights and get a good feel of the island. Personally, I could spend closer to 4-5 days in Mykonos, but it all depends on your budget and how much you want to do each day you are on the island.

Is Santorini or Mykonos better?

Santorini and Mykonos are the most popular islands to visit in Greece. With that said, they are both very different and hard to compare. I think both islands are worth a visit and always recommend making time to go to both Santorini and Mykonos on your trip. Santorini is a good island for couples and honeymoons and is consider to be the more romantic of the two islands while Mykonos is good for beaches, beach clubs, and nightlife!

What are the best things to do in Mykonos on a three-night vacation?

Some of the top attractions in Mykonos and a must do on a three day trip are Mykonos Town, Little Venice, see the churches, Mykonos Windmills, Scorpios Beach Club, catamaran cruise, and a food tour. If you really want to connect with the local culture on your trip to Mykonos, you could even try a cooking class! Greek food quickly became one of my new favorite foods after my trip to Santorini and Mykonos.

Is it possible to enjoy Mykonos without partying?

Absolutely! Mykonos may be known as the party island and attracts travelers from all over the world for its nightlife, but there is much more to Mykonos than just the party scene! Mykonos also has amazing food, beautiful beaches, history, sightseeing, and world-class shopping.